|Publication number||US6879317 B2|
|Application number||US 09/853,201|
|Publication date||12 Apr 2005|
|Filing date||11 May 2001|
|Priority date||11 May 2001|
|Also published as||US20020167495, WO2004051618A1|
|Publication number||09853201, 853201, US 6879317 B2, US 6879317B2, US-B2-6879317, US6879317 B2, US6879317B2|
|Inventors||Brian P. Quinn, Gregory C. Borucki, Marino Cecchi|
|Original Assignee||Brian P. Quinn|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (46), Non-Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (31), Classifications (21), Legal Events (5)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
The present invention relates to keyboards and other data entry panels for inputting information into a computer, and more specifically to collapsible keyboards.
The miniaturization, expanding processing power and communications capabilities of computer and electronic equipment continues to accelerate at a furious pace. One of the primary factors driving this growth relates to what is commonly referred to as Moore's Law, after Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel Corporation. Moore's Law, while actually only a theory, states that the density of transistors doubles every 18 to 24 months. This miniaturization, coupled with declining cost of computer chips, continues to drive development of a broad and deep matrix of new electronic devices in addition to new combinations of existing devices. Hardware is being enhanced by software that permits communication, Internet, and World Wide Web (Web) access. In the future, many consumer products are expected to have the capability of being connected, monitored and controlled over electronic networks. wireless telephones; electronic/computer systems for automobiles, trucks and other vehicles; musical synthesizers and other related products; televisions; digital video disks (DVDs); video cassette recorders (VCRs); calculators; kiosks; and other present and evolving electronic products. Hardware devices are being reduced in size and weight, enhanced in processing power and communication capabilities, and combined with complementary products as the underlying technologies advance. In addition, new technological features are being incorporated into appliances and other products that traditionally lacked such characteristics.
User interfaces for these creative new products are also evolving. Output devices, consisting primarily of print, video and audio devices, have become smaller with sharper images and acoustics. Video monitors can now be built into standard prescription eyeglasses or manufactured to display color web pages on screens smaller than a dime. In general, displays are significantly thinner, lighter, and consume less power than in the recent past. Similarly, computer printers and scanners are now available which fit into a coat pocket at much lower cost.
Input devices consist primarily of keyboards, scanners, cameras, microphones and other sensors. All of these input devices have enjoyed improved performance coupled with efficient miniaturization, with the notable exception keyboards and related keyboard-input devices. For the purpose of this application, the definition of input devices is those devices that allow information to be manually input into electronic devices.
The most familiar, comfortable, efficient and accepted interfaces for people who manually input information are full-sized keyboards and keypads, such as standard computer keyboards; pianos (and other musical instruments); telephones; and calculator key panels. However, despite continuing advances in technology, these full-sized input devices have not kept pace with the shrinking size and weight of electronic hardware. Full-sized input devices are too heavy and impractical to use and transport, particularly for the increasing number of devices intended to fit into a shirt pocket or purse.
The main obstacle which limits even greater growth and market acceptance of many new electronic products, particularly portable devices, has been a lack of full-sized keyboard-based input solutions which can satisfy two important requirements: first, providing conventional utilization in terms of a full-size layout, standard key spacing and proper tactile response; and second, having the ability to be easily compressed and miniaturized for transport and storage. These two characteristics will become increasing important to the communication and information technology industries as new products evolve and further penetrate the mass market.
The primary approach the electronic industry has taken to address problems with keyboard-based input devices has been to start from a standard hard keyboard and significantly reduce its overall dimensions while maintaining its proportions. Such keyboards are almost always an attached component of the product and do not offer an acceptable user experience in terms of key spacing and tactile response. While these smaller keyboards provide portability to the products, users are frustrated to sacrifice traditional usability and efficiency. Many have invested substantial amounts of time and money to master keyboard skills. The success of any electronics product will be limited if unfriendly or unfamiliar input devices handicap users.
Efforts have been made to develop collapsible keyboards, but have met limited success. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,616,897 to Weber et al. and 5,666,112 to Crowley et al. disclose a roll-up keyboards. U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,481 to Lee discloses a folding keyboard. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,141,343 to Roylance, 5,575,576 to Roysden, and 5,733,056 to Meagher disclose contracting-expanding keyboards. However, few of these prior art efforts have succeeded in collapsing a keyboard to a sufficiently small size, i.e., pocket size. In addition, many of these keyboards are mechanically complex and as a result costly to manufacture. One example of a mechanically complex collapsible keyboard that folds to fit in a pocket is the Stowaway™ keyboard by a company called ThinkOutside.
Another response to the problems with keyboard-based input devices is to rely on handwriting recognition software for data entry. This answer admits defeat for keyboard-oriented users and those with poor penmanship. There are few handwriting recognition programs that can achieve 100% accuracy. Furthermore, the fastest handwriting recognition programs currently take about three times as long to recognize characters compared to typing on a keyboard.
Voice recognition software is also being offered as an alternative to keyboard-based input, but this solution has its limitations including a need for faster processing, a current lack of broad-based acceptance and serious privacy issues. While some may be comfortable dictating to computers in the privacy of their home or office, few are able or willing to do so in public.
Finally, many portable electronic devices avoid the input dilemma altogether by only interfacing with other electronic devices (primarily personal computers). While this strategy further enhances the size and portability of these products, it eliminates the increasingly important need to input information and communicate in the field. To date, the information technology industry has been stifled by a lack of acceptable input devices that provide both full size usability and compact portability. As a result, the growth rates and acceptance of many new products, particularly portable electronic devices, have been significantly constrained. Until now, consumers who input information have been forced to sacrifice either size or usability.
It is an object of the invention to provide a substantially full size data entry panel with normal key spacing. It is a further object of the invention to make the data entry panel collapsible to a small, compact size. It is another object of the invention that the panel has an acceptable tactile response. It is a final object of the invention that the panel be economically manufactured.
The foregoing objects of the invention are satisfied by a collapsible data entry panel of the invention. The panel in its most basic form comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and a resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key.
The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ˝ and as small as ⅓ of its extended configuration. Specifically, by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure, the frame flips, twists and collapses upon itself. The collapsed panel typically comprises three coiled, lobes, thus having a surface area of about ⅓ the original size. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse. If the panel is subsequently released, it will automatically spring back to its original, extended configuration.
The lower layer comprises a flexible, lightweight fabric with independent patterns of circuits (conductive traces) printed in conductive ink on the top or inner surface. Each circuit includes a pair of contact points for each “key.” The printed conductive traces, other than the contact points, may be coated with an insulating material(s) to provide protection from wear and tear. The top layer is also formed from a lightweight flexible fabric, but alternatively could comprise a thin, molded polymer material. Preferably, the keys are formed by printing a thick polymer material onto the outer surface of the top layer so as to form a three dimensional key surface that may be felt by the user. Alternatively, the top layer could be molded or embossed to form cup-shaped keys. The inner surface of the top layer contains conductive areas or contacts that correspond to the contact points on the lower layer. Preferably, the top and bottom layers are insulated from each other by the airspace created by the frame when the fabric is pulled taut.
Alternatively or in addition, an intermediate layer of fabric is inserted between the top and bottom layers, particularly when the independent patterns of circuits (conductive traces) are separated and printed on the opposing top and bottom layers. The intermediate layer has a pattern of holes that correspond to the contact points. Thereby the intermediate layer allows the contact points to meet (when a “key” is depressed) but otherwise insulates the top and bottom traces from any unintended short circuits.
The frame is preferably a hoop of spring steel. In its opened or extended configuration, the frame pulls the two layers taut, creating an airspace between layers to insulate the upper and lower conductive traces.
The present invention is a creative and unique solution to previously insurmountable problems in the art. Input devices based on this design offer standard functionality when opened, and compact easy portability when closed. Depending on the materials used, the weight of the data entry panel can be a fraction of comparable full sized devices. They can also be designed to closely match user preferences, both functional and ornamental, and to interface with a wide variety of electronic equipment.
The data entry panel of the invention has applicability as a full-sized computer keyboard or can be use for other input devices, such as musical keyboards, numerical keypads, and specialized keyboards. The panel is slim, flexible and lightweight. It provides conventional utilization in terms of a full-size layout, standard key spacing and proper tactile response, while also having the ability to be compressed to a compact size. When the panel is not in use it is reduced to about one-third its size by twisting and collapsing the frame and structure onto itself and forming (three) joined sections. In this manner, the panel is reduced to approximately the size of a thin doughnut and stored comfortably on a belt or in a shirt pocket or purse. This flexibility allows the data entry panel of the invention to be employed as a stand alone peripheral, or to be integrated with other components, such as microprocessors and displays, to become a self-contained handheld device. For example, the surface areas that form the three lobes when the unit is collapsed (the areas that substantially do not fold or bend) could house additional microprocessors, displays, power supplies, etc. By adding flexible displays and circuits throughout the unit a stand-alone computer, wireless telephone, or other device can be created.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description as considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Turning now to the drawings, a collapsible data entry panel 10 of the invention is shown. The term “data entry panel” covers all types of input devices, including keyboards, key panels, pointing devices and other tactile input devices for computers, telephones, palm pilots, electronic games, and other electronic devices. The panel 10 comprises an upper layer of flexible sheet material 12, a lower layer of flexible sheet material 14, and a flexible frame 18 for holding the layers of sheet material in a substantially taut, spaced apart relationship. The data entry panel 10 of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ˝ and as small as ⅓ of the extended panel, as shown in
A plurality of electric circuits and switches are provided for the operation of the individual keys of the data entry panel of the invention. The circuits are at least partly held in between the upper and lower layers 12,14. More specifically, the electric circuits comprise conductive traces 26 printed on an inner surface of one or both of the layers 12,14. In the most preferred embodiment, conductive traces 26 are printed on the inner surface 24 lower layer 14.
A plurality of switching means are formed between the layers 12,14 for operation of individual keys. The switching means comprise pair of contacts, each pair being electrically connected to a respective electrical circuit. Depressing the upper layer 12 at a select location causes a pair of contacts at that location to meet, completing a circuit. The switching means may be formed in a variety of ways. In the most preferred embodiment, each circuit trace printed on the lower layer 14 includes a pair of closely spaced contact points 27 a,27 b. An inner surface 20 of the upper layer carries conductive contact or switch member 23. Contact 23 is preferably a metal disk to provide good contact and improved tactile feel; however, other conductive means could be used such as a spot of conductive ink. Each upper layer contact 23, corresponds to a pair of points 27 a,27 b, as shown in
Optionally, one may provide a spacer 29 around one or both of the contacts. Spacer 29 is preferably formed of a soft electrometric material. The spacer functions to hold the upper and lower contacts is a spaced relationship. Because the material is soft, it is readily compressed by a finger (key stroke) to cause the contacts 23,27 to meet and complete the circuit for that key. The size and softness of the spacer 29 may be adjusted to provide a desired tactile feel to the data entry panel of the invention. Spacer 29 although desirable for some applications is not an essential element of the invention. Spacing between contacts is preferably provided by the cooperative relation between the frame and flexible sheet, that holds upper and lower layers taut and spaced apart one from the other. Further, the spacers 29 may provide added bulk that interferes with the collapsibility of the panel.
Decoding circuitry (not shown) converts the specific completed circuit into a signal representing the key that had been depressed for input to a microcomputer or other electronic device. Keyboard decoding circuitry is well known in the art. The decoding circuitry may advantageously be housed within plug 34, may be stitched into or otherwise held in panel 10, or may be a held in a separate housing.
The upper 12 and lower 14 fabric layers maybe fabricated from any flexible sheet material. Nylon fabric woven for dimensional stability has been found to work particularly well for the bottom layer that preferably carries the circuits or trace patterns. The sheet material is desirably lightweight, strong and flexible. The upper layer 12 is preferably a lightweight, four-way stretch material, such as LycraŽ. The fabric may be made in any color or color pattern, which opens many marketing opportunities for creative design. There may be instances where the lower layer is not flexible, for example a keyboard mounted on a wall or other hard surface. Alternatively, a desktop version may be provided where the upper layer of the keyboard is made of a flexible sheet material, but the lower layer is built into a finished piece of wood, stone, or other hard material.
The upper surface of upper layer 12 is printed with indicia representing desired keyboard keys. Each such key indicia is printed over the corresponding switch. Preferably, the key itself is formed by printing the upper surface of the upper layer with a polymeric material to form a raised, cup-shaped area for receiving the finger tip of a user, each such area corresponding to the keys 30 or other indicia. Alternatively, keys may be formed by embossing or molding the upper layer 12, as shown in FIG. 11.
The electric circuits 26 and contacts 23 and 27 may be formed of any suitably conductive material. Conductive ink screen printed to the aforementioned nylon fabric is preferred. Acceptable conductive ink is CMI 114-31, available from Creative Materials, Tyngsboro, Mass. The ink or other conductive material must be able to withstand repeated fatigue without forming cracks or other defects that could to lead to failure of the circuit.
Optionally, foam or other materials may be inserted between layers 12 and 14 to improve the feel or tactile response of the panel. However, these are generally not preferred as they add bulk to the panel, makes it more difficult to collapse, and increases the size of the panel in its collapsed configuration.
Frame 18 is preferably fabricated from spring steel. Alternatively, the frame may be made from other materials, such as plastic, as shown in
It is contemplated that means other than a spring-like flexible frame could be employed for stretching or otherwise holding layers 12 and 14 taut and juxtaposed relative to one another. For example, a rigid frame could be used to mount the layers of sheet material on an automobile steering wheel. A flexible, albeit not collapsible, frame of polymer material could be used to incorporate the panel of the invention into clothing.
The peripheral margins of the flexible layers may be attached to the frame in any manner. The upper and lower layers may be sewn together with the frame loosely held between layers. Flexible layers can also be attached either by using adhesives or sonic welding. Alternatively, the frame may include fasteners, such as grooves 19, for holding the edges of the sheet material. The frame may further include, if desired, a channel or other passageway for holding a cable 21.
The data entry panel of the invention may desirably include a pointing device, such as a touch panel, mouse, or pointing stick, for moving a cursor on a display. A touch panel 36 is shown. The pointing device is electrically connected to a microprocessor having a display. Finger movement on the panel is transmitted to underlying circuitry which senses the direction of finger movement and transmits the same to the microprocessor's screen driver circuitry which repositions the cursor on the screen, as is known in the art. As the panel 10 of the invention collapses into essentially three lobes, it is possible to incorporate a thin, relatively inflexible component, such as a touch panel, in one of the lobes. The touch panel may be mounted in any conventional manner, for example by sewing the panel to the upper layer 12.
The data entry panel of the invention may be used for a variety of functions. A computer keyboard is shown in
A second embodiment of the invention is shown in
It is contemplated that various component parts may be incorporated into the panel of the invention.
The display 202 is preferably flexible so that it may be collapsed with the panel 200. For example, display 202 may be constructed by “electronic paper” techniques, currently under development by several companies such as E-ink Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. Cambridge Display Technologies is one company that is developing a computer display that utilizes electronic paper technology. Electronic paper technology is based on ink comprised of microcapsules that may be applied to surfaces, such as upper layer 212 of flexible sheet material. Each microcapsule contains colored chips that when appropriately energized form letters or other images. Whether utilizing electronic paper technology or other emerging technologies, such as organic light emitting diodes, it is intended that the display 202 should be flexible so that the panel 200 including display 202 may be collapsed as described above.
The several embodiments of the invention may be manufactured economically. Indeed the cost of the spring frame, fabric and conductive traces may be sufficiently small that the panel could be sold as a disposable keyboard.
The objects and advantages of the invention have therefore been shown to be attained in a convenient, practical, economic and facile manner. Although several preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention may be made. The above description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and is not intended to limit the scope the scope of the invention or to preclude coverage of obvious modifications or equivalent embodiments.
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|U.S. Classification||345/168, 345/172, 135/143, 400/472, 345/170, 248/166, 248/167, 248/434, 345/169, 400/473, 361/680, 400/491, 84/179|
|Cooperative Classification||G06F3/0221, H01H2223/052, H01H13/86, G06F3/0213|
|European Classification||G06F3/02A6, G06F3/02A3P, H01H13/86|
|11 May 2001||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: QUINN, BRIAN P., WISCONSIN
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BORUCKI, GREGORY C.;CECCHI, MARINO;REEL/FRAME:011807/0787
Effective date: 20010504
|14 Oct 2008||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|26 Nov 2012||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|12 Apr 2013||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|4 Jun 2013||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20130412